>Dave Wells writes:
>
>>Too often, I would
>>like additional information, which a computer information kiosk could
>>provide, on the exhibtion, the items in the exhibit, and maybe such
>>information about how the museum has dealt with such items as those with
>>the sacred bundles.  Isn't the mission of museums to educate?  Where does
>>one decide to draw the line between too much and enough information?  How
>>does technology such as computers "fit" into an exhibition (and how is
>>that information directed towards the different age groups)?
>
>
>Too often, also, we tend to think of new technologies in terms of
>the end user, the visitor. What they want is content well presented.
>What information technology can provide is the research tools and
>connectivity to enable museum professionals to to a better job in
>creating content. Technology can now provide links and pointers
>between museums and other sources that will reflect what is
>starting to be called our hybrid culture.
>
Robbin,
 
I don't think it is bad to think of new technologies in terms of the impact
of the visitors. Whether the technologies provide new sources of
information for interpretation, or allows us to interpret in ways that
allow the visitor to understand better than before, as museum professionals
our visitors are the reason most of us are here.
 
I am still very fond of John Dewey, and to paraphrase my favorite quote
from him, information is not knowledge. Computerized databases provide
information. Museums, whether developing traditional exhibits or high tech
exhibits can help our visitors understand the world around them.
 
--john
 
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John Chadwick                                    |
system analyst                                   |
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science | Insert your favorite
1801 Mountain Road NW                            | quotation here...
Albuquerque, NM 87104                            |
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phone: (505) 841-8837 FAX (505) 841-8866         |
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